Made with a Bailey Interview featuring @FromFran

Made with a Bailey Interview featuring Fran Aldea

When did you start working in clay and how has your style developed?

I was introduced to ceramics in my first work as a designer for a home brand. I had to design products and supervise the production in China and India. I was immediately interested in learning more about the process and different techniques so I started searching for local producers in my country. That’s how I learned about slip casting and started making ceramics with this technique. For a couple of years, I made hundreds of pieces and dive into the ceramic world while making. In 2017 I moved to New York and couldn’t bring all my molds and equipment so I had to start from scratch. I realized there was a lot I was missing and I wanted to learn more so I took wheel throwing and hand-building classes in different studios. Here is where I became fascinated with slabs and hand-building.

Can you tell us about your favorite Bailey equipment and how it helps you create your work?

My favorite Bailey equipment is the slab roller. I used to work in a shared studio so when the pandemic occurred I couldn’t go anymore. I decided to buy the 16 inch Mini Might II Table Top Slab Roller and started working from home. I made all the mugs and cups in my living room and then rented a car, move the pieces from Brooklyn to Queens. It was crazy. The streets are in such a bad shape. I lost many pieces in transit. I was very lucky to find a ceramic studio sublet and I’ve been working there for the last year. I was also lucky enough to upgrade the slab roller to the DRD/II 24G Gear Reduced S/R + 51 inch Table and it has become my BFF. I can’t recommend it enough. It is a life changer.